Youth Development (San Miguel County)

All of the San Miguel County Council officers served as speakers, pledge leaders and presenters at the annual San Miguel County 4-H Banquet and pot luck, increasing their public speaking skills and giving leadership to the overall program. Members received plaques and completion pins in recognition of their achievements and project completion for 2010-2011. 78 members, leaders and guests attended the Annual Banquet and Pot luck held at the Luna Community College Cafeteria. Each family was asked to bring a dinner item for the pot luck. Door prizes were given throughout the evening and a slide show of 4-H events throughout the year was shown during the event demonstration the 4-H members had work and dedication in there projects. New officer where also installed by a local probate judge.

The agent complies a monthly newsletter that gets send out to all 4-H members. The newsletter is sent out in email and regular mail to those that don’t have internet access. The newsletter benefits 95% of all 4-H members by keeping them up to date with upcoming events and deadlines.

Youth work with adult parents and leaders to conducting fundraisers at the club level. The County conducted one main fundraiser to send youth on trips; provide for countywide trainings and socials; and maintain funds for general operations. Club fundraisers included: raffles, bake sales car washes, and club yard sales. The county councils main fundraiser was a Krispy Kreme doughnut sell. The county raised over $800 for upcoming 4-H activities that will be held both locally and state wide. Youth gained knowledge and skills in organizing fundraisers and managing money as well as constructive youth/adult partnerships. Although the youth or the parents don’t enjoy having fundraisers they know that it’s for good cause and fundraising at the club level benefits everyone in the club and fundraising for the council benefits every club in the county.

At the 2011 San Miguel County fair there were 78 youth participating and showcasing their development of life skills through indoor and livestock exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over 175 indoor items and over 125 livestock projects were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $75,000 was paid out to the San Miguel County 4-H youth through the junior livestock sale. Sixty percent of County 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to home economics, creative arts, livestock and personal development as evidenced by quality baking products, garments made, products exhibited, animals shown, awarded, and sold at the San Miguel County Fair.

Seventeen 4-H members attended a countywide Clipping/Showmanship Workshop. Youth received hands on training related to grooming, showmanship techniques and appropriate attire. Ninety percent of youth reported an increase in knowledge related to clipping, dressing for the show and proper clipping techniques. Seventy five percent of youth reported an increase in mastery skills such as planning and organizing, self-motivation and goal setting skills. The workshop was held at the San Miguel County Fairgrounds. Most of the youth in attendance were accompanied by their parents.